European visuals and Asian hospitality – that’s what drew us to Turkey. It’s a bit of Europe, but it’s nowhere as costly. It’s a bit of Asia, but it’s nothing like the Asia we know. Plus there was the lure of Turkish food, the imposing Hagia Sophia, and all the stories we’ve grown up hearing – the Ottoman empire, the Trojan horse – so yes, we were super excited about our trip to Turkey. As you should be. But before you go, here’s what you need to know.
1.If you have an active visa for the US or UK or even a Schengen, you can apply for an online visa for Turkey, and all you have to do is fill out a form. That’s what we did.
2. Kuwait airlines is one of the cheaper options for going to Istanbul.
3. Try to stay near Fatih in Istanbul if you want to be close to UNESCO world heritage sites as well as having excellent transport options as well as food options.
4. Don’t make pre-bookings for hot air balloons in Cappadocia. Go there and choose, and hope that the weather is good.
5. It might be a little in Europe, but do not drink tap water like you would elsewhere in Europe
6. Squat toilets are a reality. And they are not that difficult to use.
7. Carry cash. Not all places take cards, but have enough on your Forex card so you can withdraw from ATMs if you need more.
8. Get used to seeing cats everywhere. Some are not owned, but most cats are owned by restaurants, and shooing them away won’t be appreciated. Cats will jump on to your lap, cats will sit on the chair next to you, cats will be everywhere.
9. Tea is a sign of hospitality and it is not nice to refuse tea. You wouldn’t want to – Turkish tea is amazing!
10. Winter in Turkey, is when we went, and it is very cold. Layer up, even during the day time and especially in the evening.
11. Carry an umbrella. It can rain any time, and it isn’t pleasant when it does and it is cold and you are soaked and shivering.
12. Queues to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, as well as other attractions can be long but there are touts who charge a tiny bit extra to get you in quickly. They can be life savers.
13. Dress modestly, especially if you have plans to visit the mosques. Cover your head, and don’t wear shorts or something that shows your shoulders. Carry a scarf just to be safe.
14. Turkish food has many, many options for vegetarians. In fact, some of their best offerings are vegetarian.
15. No matter where you shop, bargaining is a skill you will absolutely need in Turkey. The Grand Bazaar, especially, can be your oyster if you are a pro at haggling.
16. Definitely stay in a cave hotel in Goreme, if you are heading into Cappadocia. It is an experience like no other.
17. The tickets might be a little expensive, but book yourself in for an evening at Hodja Pasha in Istanbul for a whirling dervish show. It can be mesmerising.
18. Do not take a Bosphorous night cruise. It is expensive, the food is terrible and it is just not worth it. If you are looking for a party, pick somewhere else. This isn’t what you are looking for.
19. Get a pass and use the trams as much as possible to get around in Istanbul. You’ll get a IstanbulKart pass at the airport itself, and you can keep refilling it at tram stations. The same pass works for ferries and buses too. You honestly don’t need to rent a car or even take a taxi if you have the IstanbulKart.
20. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready at all times. Turkey offers incredible sights at every corner, and you wouldn’t want to miss a single one!
Turkey is amazing, and it is a place we can keep going back to. Believe us when we say this, you’d love the country and its people as well.
Travels of Kay and Chi 